Karshner Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project

Project Description

The City of Puyallup, in partnership with the Puyallup School District, applied for and was awarded a School Walk Route Improvement Project Grant as part of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission School Zone Safety Grant Program. This program aims to fund projects in local communities to improve school zone safety, pupil transportation safety, and student safety in school bus loading and unloading areas.

Karshner Elementary is a K-6th grade school that serves a diverse community in the Puyallup Valley dating back to 1953. It currently serves over 350 K-6 students. One hundred forty (140) of these students reside in walkable communities within a mile vicinity of the school.

During the City of Puyallup's development and adoption of a City-wide Safe Routes to Schools Master Plan, a walk audit performed at Karshner Elementary identified several pedestrian safety improvements that could be made to the surrounding school walking route. This project will enhance pedestrian safety by adding a pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at an existing crosswalk across 15th St NW located just south of the intersection of 8th Ave NW. Two curb ramp upgrades will be completed as part of the project to improve accessibility. Additionally, the City will install two speed indicator signs along the marked school zone along 11th St NW, one block east of Karshner Elementary.

Project Photos

Drew Young, P.E.

Project Updates

08/26/19 - The City of Puyallup has awarded a public works construction contract to Asphalt Patch Systems. Construction is expected to start the week of 08/26. We appreciate your patience during the construction of this project.